3T Bike Exploro Ultra Ekar 1x13
With 41mm wide tires, this is the raciest Ultra. For the most speed now but with the option to go extreme in any time
If you’re like us, you love riding in rough terrain but live in a more urban jungle. So you need a bike that is fast on-road and capable off-road.
The Ultra is our most extreme bike, starting out the design process with 55-61mm wide tires. We then designed the whole aero package around those to keep the on-road speed high. If you ride on less extreme terrain, you can also fit 700c tires up to 45mm WAM (With As Measured) on the Ultra.
If you’re looking for a bike that is even further optimized for speed with narrower tires (35-42mm WAM), then the Exploro RaceMax is your perfect match.
To make the fastest possible gravel bike, you need to start with the tire. Tire choice determines comfort & grip. But it also determines how you can shape the frame to redirect the airflow.
To aerodynamically engineer the frame around the tires, you need to know what their REAL measurements are. Not what’s on the label, but how they really fit. That’s REALFAST aerodynamics. But it’s not easy, as the tire dimension depends on the rim you use, the pressure and of course how accurate the manufacturer’s claimed size is.
So we took hundreds of measurements to know the real tire widths (which we call WAM - Width As Measured and RAM - Radius As Measured) and use that to engineer the frame around.
- Terrain (traction, puncture resistance)
- Rider skill (how much grip you need for control)
- Rider speed (the slower you go, the more you bump/sink into the terrain)
Our favorite tires for the Ultra for each WAM and various rim widths are here.
Please note that running a front derailleur (especially an electronic version) will limit the tire width you can fit.
The Ultra was our most difficult aerodynamic challenge to date. Start with massive 55-61mm tires and then make the bike aero. There’s nothing we can do about the tires, they’re big and the knobs don’t help. What we can do is take the airflow mess that comes off the front wheel and try to catch and redirect it. That’s why you will see the 60mm wide downtube placed closely behind the front wheel, going even wider as it gets closer to the BB.
Blending this into the headtube with an off-center aero profile along with loads of other tricks gives you a bike that feels so much faster than your brain can compute. Because let’s be honest, when you see those tires, your brain gets ready for that slow, boring paved performance of a mountain bike. But thanks to your riding position, the aerodynamics, the BB stiffness and the narrow Q-factor, the Ultra actually feels 100% like a road bike when you want to go fast. Even when muddy.
The RaceMax frameset is is fastest with 35-42mm WAM tires. That’s when its top speed rivals the best road bikes out there. So whether you’re on asphalt, easy or tougher gravel, you can be sure you have the fastest setup. But depending on where you ride and how fast you ride, you may want an even bigger tire for ultimate traction and control. Good news: 90% of the aerodynamic advantage of the RaceMax frameset still works with tires up to 61mm WAM.
In a way, the Ultra is the reverse. It is aerodynamically optimized for 55-61mm WAM tires thanks to its wider downtube near the front tire. This extra width better redirects the air coming off a bigger front tire. If you prefer a smaller tire, you can run a 700c tire up to a 46mm WAM. But as you go to a smaller tire, the Racemax becomes the faster choice again. In addition, the Ultra combines its aero seattube with a round seatpost so you can fit a standard, dropper or suspension post.
Frame: Exploro ULTRA Unidirectional pre-preg carbon, High-modulus/high-strength performance blend layup
Fork: Fango Ultra w/ compact crown
Headset: Integrated headset, sealed cartridge 1-1/8"+1.5", 36°
Handlebar size: (XXS: 38cm - 51: 40cm - 54&56: 42cm - 58&61: 44cm)
Stem: 3T Apto Stealth
Stem Size: (XXS: 70mm - 51: 80mm - 54: 90mm - 56: 100mm - 58: 110mm - 61: 120mm)
Rear derailleur: Campagnolo EKAR 1x13
Shift/Brake Levers: Campagnolo EKAR 1x13
Brakes: Campagnolo EKAR hydraulic disc w/ 160mm Campagnolo rotor
Crankset: Campagnolo EKAR carbon, 38T chainring (to match 9T smallest cog) (XXS: 165mm - 51: 170mm - 54&56: 172,5mm - 58&61: 175mm)
Cassette: Campagnolo EKAR 13-speed, 9-42T
Wheelset: Fulcrum Rapid Red 900, 700c, tubeless ready (upgrade to 3T Discus 45|40 , 45|32 , Plus i28 possible)
Seatpost: 3T Carbon 27.2 round seatpost - Zero offset
Pickup available at 11 Kent Street
Usually ready in 24 hours
Product information
Please check out the questions and answers below. You can also reach out to our customer service team here. We also offer chat below, or you can email us directly at: shop@veloworkshop.co.nz
HOW DO I MAKE AN ORDER?
- Just click on the product or collection of your choice, click the 'ADD TO CART' button to add it to your cart and this will show up in the right hand corner of the website.
- Agree to the Terms of Service.
- You can leave special instructions or change the quantity you need.
- Next click 'CHECKOUT' to be taken to the personal information and payment page.
- Enter your email & delivery address.
- Choose a Shipping option and enter any discount codes or gift cards you may have.
- Finally Choose a Payment Option from Credit Card, Paypal, Zip or Afterpay and then push "Complete Order." You will be notified via email with an attached pdf receipt.
WHICH PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?
We offer a range of payment options. Please note that your billing address must match the address on your credit card statement.
Choose your Payment Option from: Credit Card: Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Google Pay, Apple pay, iDEAL, Bancontact, Paypal, Afterpay, Zip & Shop Pay.
HOW DO I PAY FOR MY ORDER? IS IT SAFE TO USE MY CREDIT CARD?
When you checkout you are directed to Shopify secure payment gateway where you can enter your visa, mastercard, or american express credit card details safely. You can also select if you would like to pay by Google Pay, Apple Pay, Shop Pay. With Paypal, Zip, or Afterpay you will be directed to their secure sites.
HOW LONG DOES AN ORDER TAKE TO ARRIVE?
We have a large range of products on our online store and not all these items are held in stock. Some items will be drop shipped from the New Zealand importer. If the importer is out of stock of your ordered item, we will notify you. If any items in your order are out of stock you will have the option to backorder until the item arrives, have part delivery of your order or cancel the entire order. Note: you will only be charged for items sent to you.
Items are generally shipped within 3 days of placing your order. We deliver to all addresses within New Zealand and delivery usually takes around 1 week. Delivery costs are calculated when you confirm your order. We offer freight free ordering on all packages over $99+. If your order is under $99 we charge a flat rate of $9 for North Island. $12 for South Island, Waiheke Island and Rural delivery and $25 for Bike Frames/ Bikes or extra large/ heavy orders. We review these charges from time to time and the checkout system will reflect the current freight charge.
If you wish to pick up from our store, please select this option at checkout and you will not be charged a delivery fee. Our store is located at: 11 Kent Street, Frankton, Hamilton.
Velo Workshop
Monday-Thursday: 9am - 5pm
Friday: 9am - 5.30pm
Saturday: 10.30am - 2pm
Sunday: Closed for Riding
HOW CAN I TRACK MY ORDER?
Once you place your order online, you will be able to see the details of the purchase, follow its preparation, and see shipping updates in the My Account area.
DO YOU SHIP OVERSEAS?
We currently only ship internationally to Australia.
Australia - Bike Frame (Big Box) - $130.00 NZD
Australia DLE Untracked (Letter Size Tiny Items) - $32.00 NZD
Australia Larger Parcels (Untracked) - $70.00 NZD
Australia Tracked (Small Parcel) - $60.00 NZD
Australia Untracked (Small Parcel) - $45.00 NZD
WHAT IF MY ORDER IS WRONG, LOST OR DAMAGED?
We will always do our best to make sure our customers are happy. Please see check out our Legal Policies here.
Use our Contact Us page, or contact us directly at shop@veloworkshop.co.nz
We treat every enquiry different, depending on the situation, but will help rectify it.
HOW MUCH DOES SHIPPING COST?
Shipping options are shown at checkout and will vary depending on the delivery address and the size of your physical items. All orders come with tracking which will automatically be emailed to you once the package is ready to ship. Please check your spam folders if you haven't received tracking information.
Bike Frames & Bikes - $25.00 NZD
North Island Standard Shipping - $9.00 NZD
Rural Delivery Shipping - $12.00 NZD
South Island Standard Shipping - $12.00 NZD
Waiheke Island - Standard Shipping - $12.00 NZD
NZ Free Shipping on Orders $99+
Please allow up to seven (7) working days for your order to arrive within New Zealand before contacting us about a late delivery. We use a range of courier providers and the tracking details will be emailed to you as soon as they become available. Due to Covid-19 there have been some courier delays that are out of our control.
International Delivery
We currently only ship to Australia.
Australia - Bike Frame (Big Box) - $130.00 NZD
Australia DLE Untracked (Letter Size Tiny Items) - $32.00 NZD
Australia Larger Parcels (Untracked) - $70.00 NZD
Australia Tracked (Small Parcel) - $60.00 NZD
Australia Untracked (Small Parcel) - $45.00 NZD
WHAT IS THE SIZING CHART FOR YOUR APPAREL?
We provide a detailed sizing chart on each required product page to help you choose the right size. We recommend referring to this chart and measuring yourself for the best fit.
WHAT IF MY QUESTION IS ANSWERED HERE?
We would be happy to help you directly please email us at: shop@veloworkshop.co.nz
New Zealand Delivery
Shipping Options
Shipping options are shown at checkout and will vary depending on the delivery address and the size of your physical items. All orders come with tracking which will automatically be emailed to you once the package is ready to ship. Please check your spam folders if you haven't received tracking information.
Bike Frames & Bikes - $25.00 NZD
North Island Standard Shipping - $9.00 NZD
Rural Delivery Shipping - $12.00 NZD
South Island Standard Shipping - $12.00 NZD
Waiheke Island - Standard Shipping - $12.00 NZD
NZ Free Shipping on Orders $99+
Please allow up to seven (7) working days for your order to arrive within New Zealand before contacting us about a late delivery. We use a range of courier providers and the tracking details will be emailed to you as soon as they become available. Due to Covid-19 there have been some courier delays that are out of our control.
International Delivery
We currently only ship to Australia.
Australia - Bike Frame (Big Box) - $130.00 NZDAustralia DLE Untracked (Letter Size Tiny Items) - $32.00 NZD
Australia Larger Parcels (Untracked) - $70.00 NZD
Australia Tracked (Small Parcel) - $60.00 NZD
Australia Untracked (Small Parcel) - $45.00 NZD
Payment Options
On checkout you can either opt to pay by credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express), Google Pay, Apple Pay, Shop Pay, Paypal, Afterpay, or Zip.
Transactions are processed immediately and in most cases your order will be shipped on the same or next work day.
If you do need to contact us about an order please do so here.
You can also check your order by logging in.
Delivery Policy
We have a large range of products on our online store and not all these items are held in stock. Some items will be drop shipped from the New Zealand importer. If the importer is out of stock of your ordered item, we will notify you. If any items in your order are out of stock you will have the option to backorder until the item arrives, have part delivery of your order or cancel the entire order. Note: you will only be charged for items sent to you.
Items are generally shipped within 3 days of placing your order. We deliver to all addresses within New Zealand and delivery usually takes around 1 week. Delivery costs are calculated when you confirm your order. We offer freight free ordering on all packages over $99+. If your order is under $99 we charge a flat rate of $9 for North Island. $12 for South Island, Waiheke Island and Rural delivery and $25 for Bike Frames/ Bikes or extra large/ heavy orders. We review these charges from time to time and the checkout system will reflect the current freight charge.
If you wish to pick up from our store, please select this option at checkout and you will not be charged a delivery fee. Our store is located at: 11 Kent Street, Frankton, Hamilton.
Velo Workshop
Monday-Thursday: 9am - 5pm
Friday: 9am - 5.30pm
Saturday: 10.30am - 2pm
Sunday: Closed for Riding
We have a 14-day return policy, which means you have 14 days after receiving your item to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
To start a return, you can contact us at shop@veloworkshop.co.nz. Please note that returns will need to be sent to the following address: 11 Kent Street, WKO, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand.
If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
You can always contact us for any return question at shop@veloworkshop.co.nz.
Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.
Exceptions / non-returnable items
Certain types of items cannot be returned, like perishable goods (such as food), custom products (such as special orders or personalized items) or gift cards. Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns about your specific item.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards.
Exchanges
The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have, and once the return is accepted, make a separate purchase for the new item.
Refunds
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method within 10 business days. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too. If more than 15 business days have passed since we’ve approved your return, please contact us at shop@veloworkshop.co.nz.